Involvement of a small GTP binding protein in HIV-1 release

• Main Authors: Gluschankof Pablo, Popoff Michel R, Audoly Gilles
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2005-08-01
• Series: Retrovirology
• Online Access: http://www.retrovirology.com/content/2/1/48

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is evidence suggesting that actin binding to HIV-1 encoded proteins, or even actin dynamics themselves, might play a key role in virus budding and/or release from the infected cell. A crucial step in the reorganisation of the actin cytoskeleton is the engagement of various different GTP binding proteins. We have thus studied the involvement of GTP-binding proteins in the final steps of the HIV-1 viral replication cycle.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Our results demonstrate that virus production is abolished when cellular GTP binding proteins involved in actin polymerisation are inhibited with specific toxins.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We propose a new HIV budding working model whereby Gag interactions with pre-existing endosomal cellular tracks as well as with a yet non identified element of the actin polymerisation pathway are required in order to allow HIV-1 to be released from the infected cell.</p>